On September 15, SUNY Sullivan’s Board of Trustees granted Art Riegal, a 37-year professor at SUNY Sullivan and alumnus of the College, Professor Emeritus status.
During his 37 years at SUNY Sullivan, Riegal served as the bursar, facilities coordinator for and director of the Culinary Arts Department, chair of the Division of Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences, interim dean of students, and ultimately full professor, teaching business courses in the Catskill Hospitality Institute. He is also the founder of SUNY Sullivan’s Apiary, which he partially funded and continues to maintain. Riegal began his career at the College in 1985 and officially retired from teaching on August 31 this summer.
“What I find most surprising and rewarding in this profession is the number of times the teacher learns from the student,” said Riegal. “I’ve been blessed to learn from four generations of students over the decades. Criticism of the next generation in line seems to be a tradition but the critics should know that just because we don’t understand the next generation, doesn’t mean they aren’t right on some issues. We need to learn from one another.”
“Professor Riegal had a long and distinguished career at SUNY Sullivan, first as a student then as a faculty member and administrator,” said SUNY Sullivan President Jay Quaintance. “The impact that he has had on the College is profound and most recently can be found in the College’s Apiary. We wish him a long and prosperous retirement!”
The Board’s resolution praised Riegal as a hard-working mentor and advisor whose passion for teaching and inspiring students has not faded. “Colleagues portray (Riegal) as a professor who made a difference in the lives of our students and excelled in supporting the mission of the College with grace and dignity,” the resolution states.
About SUNY Sullivan
SUNY Sullivan is the leader of innovative higher education and a catalyst for workforce development throughout the Sullivan Catskills and beyond. Our diverse community cultivates personal growth and professional advancement, preparing students for success in a sustainable and interconnected world. A forward-looking, top-tier community college in New York, SUNY Sullivan offers over 40 degree programs, certificates, and micro-credentials for learners at all levels of their educational goals. We value critical inquiry and creativity while supporting our students in a culture of inclusion and respect. For more information, visit sunysullivan.edu.
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October 7, 2022.
